Looking for the BEST Things to Do in Michigan in August? Find Top August Events in Michigan, Concerts and Music Festivals, Art Fairs, County Fairs, Blueberry Picking, Sunflower Fields, and MORE!
August Events in Michigan
Summer may be winding down, but our August Michigan monthly events calender is just winding up!
There’s are plenty of exciting Michigan events and things to do in August. Whether it’s a festival in Michigan, an arts and crafts fair you’ve had your eye on, or even a music concert or U-Pick blueberry farm, there’s a lot going on in August for everyone to enjoy.
Check our calendar of events below for a list of festivals fairs and and carnivals that are offering up plenty of Michigan fun this month.
August Events and Things to Do in Southeast Michigan
Wayne County Fair
When: JUly 31 – August 5
Where: 10871 Quirk Rd. Belleville, MI
You’ll find children’s activities, entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, livestock and agriculture competitions, midway rides and much, much more at this long-running fair showcasing everything Wayne County has to offer.
Annual Havana Nights White Party
When: August 19
Where: 3706 Fort St, Lincoln Park, MI 48146
Enjoy a colorful and festive evening while supporting an important cause of Infertility/ PCOS. This event have several features from a cigar rolling bar, drinks, food vendor, silent auctions, and music from high-energy band! to keep the crowd dancing late into the evening.
Brighton Art Music Festival – Cancelled for 2023
When: August
Where: Downtown Brighton, MI
Come down and delight in a summer weekend with some shopping, art, music in beautiful downtown Brighton! Over 30,000 art enthusiasts visit the festival each year to support the arts in our community, savor local restaurant fare and listen to live music.
Maritime Days in Marine City
When: August 4 – 6
Where: Downtown Marine City, MI
Since 1979, the Maritime Days Festival has promoted travel and tourism in Marine City as a means to improve the community. Marine City is located on the St. Clair River, so it makes perfect sense that Maritime Days celebrates their riverside lifestyle by inviting the community and guests to enjoy harbor days out on the riverfront. Enjoy unique events like Chicken Splat Bingo or more traditional festival fun like live music, a car show, and plenty of food.
Zilke Sunflower Festival
Where: August 4 – 27
Where: Zilke Vegatable Farm, 12491 Carpenter Rd, Milan, MI 48160
Throughout most of August, the Zilke Vegetable Farm in Milan will be hosting its annual Sunflower Fest. Spend a day out in the sunflower fields and admire the iconic summer flower. Bring the kids for a fun family outing for everyone or have a romantic date with that special someone. No matter your occasion, a visit to see the endless sunflower fields at Zilke is a great place to make new memories. The Sunflower Festival starts on August 8th and ends on August 28th.
Saline Summerfest
When: August 11 – 12
Where: Saline, MI
Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival
When: August 11 – 13
Where: Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, 4440 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
Celebrate Polish heritage in Detroit at one of the largest and most iconic Roman Catholic Churches in the city. Dance to some traditional polka music played live while you munch on some homemade pierogies. Visitors to the festival can also stop by the beer tent for a drink or the bake sale for a treat. A 50/50 raffle will also be available for guests.
Milford Memories Summer Festival
When: August 11 – 13
Where: Downtown Milford, MI
Shelby Township Art Fair
When: August 12 – 13
Where: 5700 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48317
If travel stresses you out, this art fair is the one for you. At Shelby Township Art Fair, there are an abundance of spots in the free parking lot, and if it happens to be further away than you’d like, complimentary shuttle buses are available. So, your only worry will be how many paintings can fit in your car!
Blakes Sunflower Festival
When: August 11 – 13, 2023
Where: 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI
Stroll through the Sunflowers at Blake’s Annual Sunflower Festival! Shop from 100+ artisans, enjoy a short walk to the Sunflower fields to cut you own sunflowers and enjoy endless photo opportunities.
DeBucks Sunflower Farm Sunflower Festival
When: Weekends in August beginning August 9 – 27
Where: 50240 Martz Rd, Belleville, MI 48111
Head to DeBucks, a popular sunflower farm in southeast Michigan, for tons of fun, family-friendly activities including a rock-clmbing wall, a pancake breakfast, an art show, live music and kids activities Galore!
Woodward Dream Cruise
When: August 19
Where: Woodward Avenue, Southeast Michigan
On Saturday August 19, one of southeast Michigan’s most iconic events, the Woodward Dream Cruise in Royal Oak invites classic car enthusiasts to participate in the world’s biggest cruise.
The Dream Cruise is a Michigan summer staple which takes place all along Woodward Avenue, stretching for miles through multiple municipalities. This is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing in over one million guests from around the globe and putting 40,000 classic cars on the road. You won’t want to miss this annual rite of summer.
August Michigan Events and Things to Do in West Michigan
Coast Guard Festival
When: July 28 – August 6
Where: Downtown Grand Haven
Although it kicked off in July, the end of the month doesn’t mean the end of festivities in Coast Guard City, USA. The Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven will continue on throughout the first week of August with plenty left to do and see, including the Parade of Ships on Lake Michigan, carnivals, ship tours, and the grand parade. Don’t miss this massive Michigan festival, celebrating our nation’s Coast Guard heroes.
IF YOU GO: Don’t miss the opportuntity to see one of west Michigan’s gems, beloved by tourists and residents alike: the Grand Haven Muscial Water Fountain. Watch as water, illuminated by colorful lights, dances in the air to popular tunes!
Steamboat Park Cruises with LIVE Music
When: Daily thru mid-September
Where: Steamboat Park Campground, 825 Taylor St, Jenison, Michigan 49428
Come aboard The Grand Lady for Live Music Cruises, Sightseeing Cruises, and Private Charters on the Grand River. The Riverboat is located just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan!
Ship and Shore Festival
When: August 12 – 14, 2023
Where: Downtown New Buffalo, MI
The lighted boat parade is the highlight of this fun summer festival in downtown New Buffalo. Make a weekend of it and head to one of the amazing New Buffalo beaches for even more fun!
Chalk the Block
When: August 4 – 6
Where: Downtown St. Joseph, MI
In St. Joseph, celebrate Summer during Chalk the Block. During this artisan fair, artists take over Broad Street in downtown St. Joe and transform the space using chalk. Attendees are welcome to watch the process as artists prepare their squares on Friday evening, work throughout Saturday, and show off their completed works on Sunday. At the arts fair, visitors can vote for their favorite chalk masterpiece to win the People’s Choice title.
Mason County Fair
When: August 8 – 12
Where: Mason County Fairgrounds, 5302 W US-10, Ludington, MI
National Blueberry Festival
When: August 10 – 13
Where: South Haven, MI
There’s nothing sweeter than the Blueberry Festival in South Haven. This west-Michigan festival has fun for the entire family, with live music on beach, races, parades and a children’s blueberry eating competition. Be sure to stop by the sandy South Haven beaches and enjoy some fun in the August sun.
PRO-TIP: South Haven in southwest Michigan is a must on any Michigan summer vacation bucket list. You’ll find a cute, walkable downtown that’s both kid-friendly AND dog-friendly. be sure and check out our guide to the best hotels in South Haven for some of our favorite places to stay when we visit this fun west Michigan beach town.
Ludington Art Fair
When: August 12 – 13
Where: Rotary Park, 100 N. Harrison St., Ludington, MI
Breakaway Music Festival
When: August 18 – 19
Where: Belknap Park, Grand Rapids
Returning to Grand Rapids for its fifth year, Breakaway Music Festival boasts a diverse collection of pop, hip-hop, and EDM music. Massively popular groups like The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake, Two Friends, and more will perform in Belknap Park with panoramic views of downtown Grand Rapids. While general admission will grant access to all main stage events as well as a silent disco, food trucks, vendors, and more, guests can seek out elevated experiences with a VIP pass.
Allegan County Fair
Where: 150 Douglas St, Allegan, MI
When: Sept 8- 16, 2023
The Allegan County Fair takes the classic fair-goer experience to another level. It’s way more than your average fair with events you would find at any major festival. There is something for each family member to enjoy and would also make for an unforgettable first date.
Kalamazoo Balloon Fest
When: August 11- 13
Where: Gull Meadows Farms
In the heart of Michigan’s aviation country, Kalamazoo Balloon Fest will celebrate the joy and ingenuity of hot air balloons at Gull Meadow Farms. These balloons will be flying over Richland throughout the weekend of August 27th. Enjoy the scenic views and balloons, as well as plenty of entertainment, vendors, and activities, including a car show.
Coloma Glad-Peach Festival
When: August 4- 6
Where: Downtown Coloma, MI
The Coloma Glad-Peach Festival in Coloma celebrates the gladiolus flowers and the peaches that are grown locally. Held the first weekend of August, this festival provides three days of family fun for all ages. This festival has everything you could want from such an event, including live music, a classic car show, two parades, and of course, a fireworks display. The more athletically inclined can also participate in the Fruitebelt Series, featuring a 5K and 10K, run, walk, bike, and fun run through the beautiful west Michigan countryside.
August Michigan Things to Do and Events in Central Michigan and the Michigan Thumb Area
Midland River Days
When: August 3 – 6
Where: Midand, MI
Celebrate summer in Midland at the River Days Festival. For over 35 years, this festival has brought joy to the Midland community and offered a new way to maximize your summer fun. Whether you want to listen to live music in the sunshine, play some summer games, or chow down on good food and drink some local brews, River Days has you covered. You can even see some hot air balloons take flight and participate in unique events.
PRO-TIP: Be sure to check out Michigan’s famous three-legged bridge, The Tridge, in downtown Midland. You might aso want to take your family to Dow Gardens, for the amazing walk aong the treetops!
Ingham County Fair
Where: 700 E Ash St, Mason, MI
When: Aug 1-6
The Ingham County Fair may be more minor than the other action-packed fairs on our list, but don’t let that fool you. This fair is still fun-filled, with tons of activities for you and your family to enjoy.
Frankenmuth Flower Festival at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm
When: August 4 – 6
Where: Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, 7775 Weiss Street, Frankenmuth, MI
In Frankenmuth, there’s plenty for family friendly floral fun to be had on Grandpa Tiny’s Farm. Take a tour of the gardens or enjoy the food and entertainment available to visitors. If you’re looking for something to take home or to gift a loved one, you can purchase some flowers or art pieces from vendors or head into the fields yourself for u-pick sunflowers. Don’t forget to stop in town to explore more of Michigan’s Little Bavaria.
IF YOU GO: Now is the time to try a world-famous chicken dinner in Frankenmuth. Not sure whether to head to Zehnder’s or Bavarian Inn? Use our guide to the best restaurants in Frankenmuth.
Caseville Cheeseburger Festival
When: August 11 – 20
Where: Caseville, MI
The fun beach town of Caseville transforms into Margaritaville, USA for this 10-day Jimmy Buffet themed festival. Take part in cheeseburger themed events such as judging the best dressed business or judging the best cheeseburger. This is THE event of the season in Caseville.
IF YOU GO: Plan to spend some time exploring the beuaitful Caseville and Port Austin beaches, some of the best in the state.
Bay County Fair & Youth Expo
When: August 8 – 12
Where: 800 Livingston Ave, Bay City, MI
Michigan Renaissance Festival
When: August 19 – October 1
Where: 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly, MI
Join the villagers of Hollygrove as they invite one and all to the magical 16th Century European village featuring 17 stages of exciting entertainment including: musicians, magicians, jugglers and jousting. Over 100 artisans will fill the Festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted goods for a truly fabulous and endless shopping experience. Patrons will interact with memorable characters and enjoy full-contact live armored jousting, 7 theme weekends, and fabulous food fit for royalty!
August Michigan Events in Northern Michigan
Sleeping Bear Biking Tours
When: Dates Vary
Where: Glen Arbor, MI
Throughout August, see Sleeping Bear Dunes like you never have before. Historic Biking Tours are available throughout the month with dates online available for booking. Ride the Heritage Trail along a lake bluff or cruise on rural roads, through the farms and pastures of Port Oneida. These historic tours span several miles and stop at locations of interest with unique views and engagement opportunities.
Elk Rapids Harbor Days
When: August 2 – 5
Where: Elk Rapids, MI
This must-see event of the summer takes place on the east arm of Grand Traverse bay and features a different set of family friendly events each day, including a world class fireworks show over the lake. Be sure to browse through the comprehensive brochure on the website and plan out your visit.
Rogers City Nautical Festival
When: August 1 – 6
Where: Rogers City, MI
The Nautical Festival at Rogers City celebrates all things maritime and lakeside living. Things kick off on August 1st with a sailors memorial, followed by fun and sun-filled days that celebrate the summer. Parades, pageants, and even poker line the itinerary, providing everyone young and old with activities that suit their interests. Festivities end perfectly on Sunday August 6th with a fireworks display over Lake Huron, where the bright lights of the fireworks reflect on the water in the most beautiful way.
Alcona County Fair
Where: 854 N Barlow Rd, Lincoln
When: August 8-12, 2023
Animal Shows, ATR Motorsports Tuff Truck Competition, Bump & Run, Carnival, Cutest Baby Picture Contest, Laser Tag, Horse Pull, Kids Coloring Contest and more!
Charlevoix Art Fair
When: August 12
Where: East Park Downtown Charlevoix
Since 1958, this prestigious art fair in Charlevoix has always had a goal in mind, to bring fine arts and crafts to Northern Michigan. Artists range from locals, to Michiganders, to people who live thousands of miles away. With that kind of variety, you are sure to find a multitude of personalities and cultures within the work.
Cheboygan County Fair
When: August 5 – 12
Where: 204 E Lincoln Ave, Cheboygan, MI
August Michigan Events and Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula
Sault Summer Art Fair
When: August 4
Where: Downtown Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Just south of the Soo Locks in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Summer Art Fair takes place between Osborn and Ashmun. After two years of cancellations, the town is eager to welcome the return of community artists who bring a new level of creativity to the streets of Sault Ste. Marie. Here you can find all kinds of local artworks in nearly every medium imaginable. Stop by the Sault Summer Art Fair and participate in some sidewalk sales to support the local art community.
Woodtick Music Festival – cancelled for 2023
When:
Where: Hermansville, MI
Way up in the western upper peninsula, Hermansville is home to the Woodtick Music Festival. Here, visitors can enjoy music from all varieties of country and rock, including bluegrass, folk, and the blues. Many guests like to make a camping trip of it and spend a few days in the woods surrounded by nature and music. With two stages and over 30 featured artists, it’s no wonder that Woodtick is a favorite for country music fans in northern Michigan.
Michigan Lighthouse Festival
When: August 4-6
Where: Marquette, MI
With more lighthouses than any other state, it should come as no surprise that the Michigan Lighthouse Festival in Marquette is a popular celebration of our state’s lights. Located in Marquette’s Lighthouse Park, the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse and Maritime Museum are features of the festival. Tour the museum or enjoy some of the other festival activities, including movie screenings, art markets, and guest speakers.
Upper Peninsula State Fair
When: August 14 – 20
Where: Escanaba, MI
Nothing says fun like a state fair. Experience the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in its full form at the U.P. state fair. This celebration of northern Michigan culture and heritage, has fun for the whole family, with carnival games and rides for all ages.
Hops On The Harbor
Where: Manistique, MI
When: August 19
From craft beer aficionados to the casual hard cider sipper, Hops on the Harbor has something for everyone. This event is not kid friendly but is a summer staple for older families. Located in beautiful Manistique, visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery with a cold drink and some delicious local food.
Michigan Paranormal Convention
When: August 22 – 26
Where: Sault Ste. Marie
Get spooked with some of the biggest names in the paranormal industry at Michigan’s Paranormal convention in Sault Ste. Marie. PARACON has experts & tv stars covering intriguing topics such as aliens, ghost hunting, demons and even more. Make sure to grab your tickets for a thrilling weekend in northern MI.
PRO-TIP: Michigan is home to some pretty spooky places – be sure to check out our guide to 30 Most Haunted Places in Michigan to explore more paranormal activity.
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About the Author –
Bella DiMascio is a Content Editor for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the Detroit suburb of Westland. She later attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in English: Writing. Creative writing has been a hobby and interest of Bella’s since she was in elementary school. She is thrilled to be using her talents to highlight the Great Lakes State. Outside of writing, Bella enjoys getting outside with her two Australian Shepherds, playing video games, and binging shows on Netflix.